Mental disorders are very complex and every patient is different. Therefore a doctor who is acquainted with the patient usually can make recommendations as to which approach is best for the patient. If the patient is not satisfied, perhaps the doctor can assist him in seeking other specialists. The following material may be helpful in aiding both patient and doctor to realize that several treatments are available. No one form of treatment cures all cases of major depression. It is recognized, too, that within each field of treatment there is often a wide range of practitioners.

For instance, in psychotherapy 130 different approaches are reported. Moreover, those using the nutritional approach may vary from prominent researchers who have behind them decades of study to some who have become “weekend experts” after attending a two-day seminar. When major depression is diagnosed, one recommendation is psychotherapy—or “talk therapy.” Since a depressed person usually has greatly disturbed ideas, many have been aided by their talking to a therapist. Such professionals may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and others with specialized training.

Understanding Clinical Depression

Meanwhile, it could be noted that clinical depression can take many forms. Some people, for example, have what is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which manifests itself during a particular time of year—usually winter. “People with SAD report that their depressions worsen the farther north they live and the more overcast the weather,” says a book published by the People’s Medical Society. “While SAD has been linked mainly to dark winter days, in some cases it’s been associated with dark indoor work spaces, unseasonable cloudy spells and vision difficulties.”

What causes clinical depression? The answer is not clear. While in some cases there seems to be a genetic link, in most instances life experiences appear to play an important role. It has also been noted that it is diagnosed in twice as many women as men. But this does not mean that men are unaffected. On the contrary, it is estimated that between 5 and 12 percent of men will become clinically depressed at some point in life. When this type of depression strikes, it is all-pervasive and affects virtually every aspect of one’s life. It “shakes you to the core,” says a sufferer, “corroding your confidence, self-esteem, your ability to think straight and make decisions, and then when it reaches deep enough, it gives a few hard squeezes just to see if you can hold on.

Certainly, at this point of the discussion, it could be ob served that considering clinical depression as a serious matter is indeed an important factor to take note of. Hence, once realized that one is suffering from the said situation through understanding the signs of clinical depression, one is advised to seek professional help immediately.